THERE are a number of ways a hang glider can become intentionally airborne without the use of an engine.

The most common method for launching skyward is by running down a steep slope, which is why the windward-facing hills surrounding Petersfield are so popular with members of the local Sky Surfing Club.

For pilots living in the flatter areas of the country, hill launching presents an obvious problem. The only alternative is to be towed aloft – either on the end of a winch cable, or behind a microlight tug.

A tow launch may be more convenient but involves additional equipment, cost and organisation – the latter being a particular anathema to free-spirited, free-flight pilots.

However, a team of enterprising individuals organised a national aero-tow competition – the Great British Aerotow Revival (GBAR) – at Deenethorpe airfield, near Corby.

The lure of multiple microlight tugs, a long 1,200m runway and the luxury of essential amenities was enough to attract a number of Sky Surfing Club pilots to the flatlands of Northamptonshire.

Taking part in the competition were Tim King, Christo Tracey, Nigel Bray, Nestor Londoño, Justin Needham and Neville Almond. Babs King, John Meredith and Maciej Wolaniecki provided vital help and support on the ground.

Christo said: “On the Saturday the competition started in earnest. A race to anywhere was set – 64km for rigid-wings, 54km for flex-wings, and 44km for the Sports Class. The Sky Surfing Club made an early impression in all three classes: Justin Needham came third among the flex-wings that made goal, and Neville Almond was the first in the rigid-wing category. Nestor Londoño did well to come second in the Sports Class, despite no-one in the category reaching goal.

“The Sunday proved to be the most promising day of the competition with demanding triangle routes being set, while the Sports Class pilots were required to fly a 40km out-and-return course.

“Justin Needham completed the course, placing seventh in the flex-wing category. Tim King came third among the rigid-wings, not quite making goal but still flying an impressive 88km. A difficult day for the Sports Class meant Nestor Londoño could manage only joint-sixth.”

Flying on subsequent days was limited because of poor weather conditions. The event was eventually wrapped up on the Friday with the prizegiving where Sky Surfing Club members picked up some of the awards: Justin Needham placed sixth overall in the flex-wing category, while in the rigid-wing group Tim King came third, Neville Almond fourth, Christo Tracey 12th and Nigel Bray 15th. Nestor Londoño placed fifth in the Sports Class.

Christo added: “Aero-tow competitions are unusual for the UK – in fact, GBAR was the first such event in seven years.

“Because of the prevalence of our beautiful downland slopes, most local pilots tend to favour hill flying over aero-tow.

“However, the Sky Surfing Club was one of the top performers in the event not directly associated with a towing operation.”

Brian Parkins